PAUL MAY - ATKINS MAY PROJECT

#interview

PAUL MAY - Atkins May Project

💿 Hi, it’s a pleasure for us to have on Hardrockheavymetal PAUL MAY !!

Thanks for the Invitation! Great to be here! You're Welcome!

💿 The new full-length of ATKINS MAY PROJECT, THE FINAL CUT, is finally out and it was positive received on our pages. Would you describe in a few words your new album?

I’d like to think that its un-apologetic Classic ‘Old School’ Hard Rock & Metal!

💿 Inside your songs what’s the role of lyrics in the composition process? Words follow music or vice versa?

It all depends to be honest, It usually comes at the same time and a theme of inspiration just kind of takes it course. I like the music to compliment the lyrics and represent its content hopefully.

💿 How difficult is to release music at the time of a global pandemy? How deep can it be the impact on our loved genre?

Its been a bit of a challenge, with the obvious logistical aspects of distributing the physical CDs in a time of Lockdown, which brings obvious delays, but the postal service have been Warriors during this time and have been getting our stuff out so God bless them!!

And I think people are wanting to hear some new stuff at this time in history.

💿 We love the cover of THE FINAL CUT. Can you tell us somethin'about?

I saw it and loved it. Its a cover by Rodney Matthews, a world renown fantasy artist famous for album covers the likes of Magnum, Diamond Head, Nazareth, Scorpions etc, and of course all of ours and he is also good friend! The cover was originally used many years back on a book in 1979! and also came to my attention that it had been stolen and illegally used by an Argentinian band some years back! We are the only band officially licensed to use it and I think its a great cover!!

💿 On our pages we're “true defenders"of physical music, because we think that a CD or vinyl provide a complete experience that goes beyond single songs. What's your opinion about?

Yes I totally agree! I love the experience of holding a product in my hand, and reading the notes or lyrics and getting the whole feel for what the album was intended to be. Yes i’m with you on that.

💿 Can you tell us somethin' about your Heavy approach with music? Which bands or artists influenced you the most?

Paul

So many bands to choose from, but I would have to say, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, Boston, Hendrix, T.Rex ... the list is endless!

💿 The partnership with original singer of JUDAS PRIEST, AL ATKINS, celebrates the 4th full-length (PAUL played also in others AL ATKINS solo albums).

Can you tell somethin' about the beginning of this project? What it means the title THE FINAL CUT? Is it the last shot?

I’ve had the privilege of working with Al in one form or another for the past 30 years! We met whilst I was doing a gig in the West Midlands, back in 1979, when he asked me to play on some demo’s, which would eventually evolve into Al’s first solo album, and I played on his subsequent releases to date.

The Atkins May Project came into being around 2010 when I was writing and recording some tracks for an album I planning, and I asked Al if he would sing on a few tracks. Those felt so good that it ended up being the whole album. And the Atkins May Project was born 2010 and released our first album ‘Serpents Kiss’ in 2011.

Is is the last shot? Maybe, but hey never say never, maybe just .... ?!!!

💿 Thank you so much for your time! See you soon on Hardrockheavymetal!

You take care now and a Big Thank you from Al and Myself for your kind review.